Shane Gillis swears on live 'SNL' Dr. Seuss-inspired sketch, apologises for slip-up

Fellow performer Mikey Day improvised a response during the sketch inspired by 'Green Eggs and Ham'

Shane Gillis accidentally dropped an F-bomb during a live episode of Saturday Night Live, prompting fellow performer Mikey Day to improvise a response during a sketch inspired by Green Eggs and Ham.

The incident occurred on Saturday night, with Andrew Dismukes playing Sam-I-Am, Day portraying a character refusing to try the food, and Gillis appearing as his son.

While explaining his father’s refusal, Gillis said, “Bro, it’s a nonstarter. He told me, he says he f**king doesn’t—”

Realising his mistake, Gillis quickly stopped and exclaimed, “Jeez!” as the audience reacted. After briefly regaining his composure, he continued: “He said I do not like green eggs and ham.”

Day then incorporated the slip into the sketch, telling Gillis in character, “You said a bad word.”

“Yes, I did,” Gillis replied.

Shane Gillis accidentally saying the F bomb on SNL. pic.twitter.com/8R5B8Tc5qV

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 11, 2026

The exchange allowed the performers to acknowledge the mistake without abandoning the scene.

As the sketch ended, Gillis could be heard apologising, adding, “Sorry about earlier.” He also repeated his apology during the show’s goodnights.

The swear word was audible to viewers watching the live East Coast broadcast and on Peacock.

However, it was censored during the West Coast broadcast, which airs on a slight delay.

Accidental swearing has occurred on Saturday Night Live several times over the years.

Past incidents have involved Paul Shaffer in 1980, Charles Rocket in 1981 and Jenny Slate during her debut as a cast member in 2009.

Gillis’ slip also follows an incident on the October 18, 2025 episode, when Sabrina Carpenter reportedly swore twice while performing “Nobody’s Son”.